‘I Will Knock Out Kulabdam’ – Felipe Lobo Promises Fireworks In High-Stakes Clash At ONE Friday Fights 114

Brazilian powerhouse Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo is brimming with confidence ahead of his hotly anticipated showdown with “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai. In fact, the #3-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender believes he has the perfect game plan to halt the Thai’s momentum.

On June 27, the star strikers will collide in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 114 for what promises to be an explosive battle at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

With both men known for their aggressive styles and show-stopping power, fans can expect nothing short of fireworks.

For Lobo, this represents an opportunity to climb back into World Title contention after suffering a decision loss to current ONE Interim Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane earlier this year.

He will need to get past a resurgent Kulabdam, who is entering the contest riding a three-fight winning streak and looking to prove he’s back in peak form after his own defeat to Anane.

“Demolition Man” told onefc.com that he’s expecting an all-out war:

“Kulabdam’s game is a bit like mine in terms of boxing. He likes to box, just like me, so it’s going to be a fight with a lot of toe-to-toe striking. It’s going to be an intense fight.”

The Brazilian has done his homework and believes he’s identified key weaknesses to capitalize on.

While he respects Kulabdam’s speed and terrifying punching power, Lobo is particularly interested in his foe’s tendency to stand and trade rather than utilize movement and angles:

“His strengths are that he knows how to use low kicks and straight punches very well. He is very fast, versatile, and knows how to mix things up very well, using low kicks and punches. He does this very well.

“Despite being fast and versatile, he is a fighter who doesn’t move around much. He hits and comes back, moves forward and comes back, and fights more stationary. I can exploit that.”

Having grown up in the favelas of Sao Paulo, Lobo possesses a never-say-die mentality that has served him well throughout his combat sports journey.

After transitioning from high-level soccer to boxing and eventually Muay Thai, the Brazilian has become one of the most feared strikers in ONE’s bantamweight division.

Time and time again, “Demolition Man” has proven that he thrives in pressure-filled situations. His unforgettable knockout of perennial top-five contender Saemapetch Fairtex in February showcased his ability to deliver when the stakes are high, and he’s confident he can produce another memorable finish:

“I believe this fight will start strong and very intense, especially because Kulabdam likes to start strong and put pressure on. But I really believe I will knock out Kulabdam. That’s my prediction.

“He really likes trading strikes, and so do I, so I believe this will be a fight that will end in a knockout. It will be a very intense and aggressive fight.”

World Title Aspirations

While Felipe Lobo is focused on the task at hand, he’s well aware of the bigger picture. A victory over the surging Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai would keep him near the top of the stacked bantamweight Muay Thai division.

Kulabdam has faced many of the division’s elite fighters, including losses to current Interim World Champion Nabil Anane and former undisputed titleholder Nong-O Hama.

Lobo knows that defeating such a well-regarded opponent would prove he belongs among the very best 145-pounders on the planet – and potentially fast-track his return to a World Title shot.

“I think a victory over him could put me in a prominent position in the division, especially because Kulabdam has fought against the best in the division, including Nabil Anane.”

Lobo’s journey back to a World Title shot has been anything but easy. After challenging for the belt twice and coming up short both times, many fighters might have lost motivation.

But the 32-year-old has used those setbacks as fuel, working tirelessly to refine his craft and address the areas that cost him in those World Championship fights.

His recent TKO victory over Saemapetch Fairtex proved he still has plenty left in the tank and demonstrated the improvements he’s made to his overall game. And given that Kulabdam looks more dangerous than ever, Lobo feels this matchup represents a crucial crossroads for both sides:

“He’s coming off three wins, so I believe this is a fight that can put me in a good position in the division and put me on the path to a new World Title fight.”

Source